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When the Eagles’ offense lines up against the Patriots’ defense, the chances are good that two former college teammates will find themselves in direct conflict. New England cornerback Stephon Gilmore and Philadelphia receiver Alshon Jeffery were South Carolina high school stars who helped change the fortunes of the football program at the University of South Carolina when they signed in the 2009 recruiting class.

Gilmore, from South Pointe High in Rock Hill, took an official visit to Alabama in October 2008 but committed to the Gamecocks a few days later. With one in-state star in the boat, coach Steve Spurrier and his staff kept working on Jeffery, who had committed to the more famous USC in Los Angeles. But when Trojans offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian left to become the head coach at Washington, Jeffery began looking elsewhere. To land Jeffery, South Carolina had to fend off a challenge from Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. Jeffery and his coach at Calhoun County High each told ESPN’s Chris Low that Kiffin had warned that Jeffery would end up “pumping gas” if he chose the Gamecocks.

When Spurrier and his assistants read the quote, they chuckled. “We said if he ever pumps gas, it’ll be into a big old Mercedes,” Spurrier said.
Jeffery and Gilmore had an instant impact on the Gamecocks. Both started as true freshmen. As sophomores, they helped South Carolina to its only SEC East title. As juniors in 2011, they helped the Gamecocks win 11 games. South Carolina would win 11 in 2012 and 2013 as well. The signing of Jeffery and Gilmore helped pave the way for other Palmetto State stars to sign with South Carolina. In 2010 the Gamecocks landed tailback Marcus Lattimore, and in 2011 they signed Gilmore’s former South Pointe teammate Jadeveon Clowney, the consensus No. 1 player in the nation.

The Eagles probably would be alternately thrilled, mortified and thrilled if the Super Bowl resembled Jeffery’s final game in a South Carolina uniform. In the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska on Jan. 1, 2012, Jeffery caught four passes for 138 yards, including a 51-yard Hail Mary as time expired in the first half. But late in the third quarter, Jeffery and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard got into a fight near the Nebraska sideline and both players were ejected. After South Carolina closed out a 30–13 win, the Gamecocks received interesting news: Despite the ejection, Jeffery had been named the game’s MVP. “Somebody go to the locker room and get him,” Spurrier remembered yelling. “He still had his uniform on, though,” Spurrier said. “He knew he had a shot at it, I guess. So he came jogging out and got his MVP award. I don’t know if that’s ever happened before—a guy got tossed out and then was MVP.”

Meanwhile, the Patriots—who always seem to squeeze the most out of every player on their roster—may find more use for Gilmore if they want a change of pace. At South Carolina, the former high school quarterback would occasionally replace signal-caller Connor Shaw. Coaches called this the “Wild Cock” formation. Gilmore even completed two passes out of the formation. Guess who caught both? That’s right. Jeffery.

Re: The Flashes of Greatness When Alshon Jeffery, Tom Brady and Other Super Bowl Star

Great article in so many ways - brought back some great memories. I had comepletely forgotten the part about Alshon being MVP and still in the locker room... and not sure I ever saw that Spurrier quote about it. Classic Spurrier.